There are two new Big Ten names appearing on my latest Big Ten Player Rankings. One was on my preseason list (Illinois’ Malcolm Hill), while the other is making his debut (Maryland’s Robert Carter Jr.). [ MORE: Power Rankings | Polls | Standings | Stats | Scoreboard ] The top four remains the same this week, with Michigan State do-it-all star Denzel Valentine coming in at No. 1 for the second consecutive week. See my full latest list below: 1. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State. The Denzel Valentine show hit the West Coast this week for the Wooden Legacy, and those

That didn’t take long! There’s a new team atop my latest Big Ten Power Rankings, presented by ArcelorMittal, and it’s impressive Michigan State. [ MORE: Follow @BTNJonCrispin | Polls | Standings | Stats | Scoreboard ] The Spartans (7-0) replace Maryland, undefeated itself, atop this week’s list because, well, no one is playing better than Denzel Valentine’s team. Don’t worry, Terrapins fans, your team is still among the nation’s best. Editor’s note: Team records are through Sunday, Nov. 29 action. See my full latest list below: 1. Michigan State (7-0). The Spartans are playing the best basketball in the country. Denzel

Over the past few years, the style of play and “entertainment value” of college basketball has been under attack. Most of the individuals who took issue with the occasional lack of scoring and slow pace don’t even coach or play the game. Even UConn women’s coach Geno Auriemma voiced his displeasure, calling the men’s college game, “boring.” Truthfully, his opinion on the men’s game doesn’t matter, but numerous rule changes to (ideally) free up the game and make it more entertaining and fair were implemented this season. [ MORE: Follow @BTNJonCrispin | Power Rankings | Polls | Standings | Stats

With the regular season complete, BTN will present the exclusive, live announcement of both coaches’ and media All-Big Ten teams, as well as 16 Big Ten football awards during BTN Live on Monday, Nov. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Nine Big Ten teams have been selected to the 2015 NCAA Volleyball Tournament, it was announced Sunday night. [ MORE: View the official interactive NCAA bracket ] Big Ten champion Minnesota enters the tournament as the No. 2 overall seed, while No. 4 Nebraska, No. 6 Wisconsin, No. 7 Penn State and No. 12 Ohio State also earned top-16 seeds. Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue also received at-large bids to the national tournament. The Big Ten’s nine teams are more than any other conference, as the Pac-12 and Big 12 have seven and five, respectively. After winning its second